Uponor Ecoflex VIP is the next generation of pre-insulated pipes for outdoor pipe insulation
The new standard for local and district heating networks with outdoor pipe insulation: Ecoflex VIP combines the best heat loss performance for flexible foam insulation pipes on the market with outstanding flexibility. By adapting the groundbreaking Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) technology, heat losses can be reduced by up to 60%. The flexible design and small diameter help to reduce the installation time of the pipes by up to 20% compared to hard foam insulated flexible pipes, and by more than double compared to steel pipes.
The Grand Tower Frankfurt has been insulated with VIPs, saving up to 123 m2 living area in total at 47 floors. This corresponds to one spacious additional apartment. In addition, a solution has been provided for insulating the facade's many organically shaped units, called "tubes", which required the use of curved VIPs.
"This case study is another great example of the different benefits VIPs bring for the building industry. It is a fact that VIPs are an innovative solution which can contribute to considerable space savings in highly populated cities." states Roland Caps, va-Q-tec's Founder and Board member of VIPA International.
Installation of Ecoflex VIP pipes
From design to installation
Faster installation and less on-site disruption
Savings of up to 60% in installation time compared to steel pipes, and up to 20% compared to hard PUR foam pre-insulated flexible pipes
Easier handling, even in confined spaces
Ecoflex VIP is compatible with all Ecoflex accessories and fittings
VIP stands for vacuum insulation panels, which use silica filled core wrapped in aluminum hybrid foil with evacuated air. Vacuum insulated panel consist of state of the art insulation material with extremely high performance and already proven and reliable usage in different industries like healthcare, automotive, construction, and household appliances.
Thanks to the unique hybrid construction of incorporating, the innovative VIP technology provides Ecoflex VIP pre-insulated pipes with extremely high insulation performance and excellent flexibility.
Ecoflex VIP offers a revolutionary low lambda value of insulation material <0,004 W/mK.
Insulation performance is 5 times higher than PUR and 10 times higher than PEX.
Left side graph: Without VIP: Simulation of Ecoflex Thermo VIP 63 mm in jacket 140 mm in case VIP is not used
Right side graph: With VIP: Ecoflex Thermo VIP 63 mm in jacket 140 mm. The heat is "blocked" by VIP insulation inside the pipe.
To have the same insulation performance (same heat loss) as VIP in jacket 140 mm we would need 310 mm jacket with out standard soft foam insulation material.
Ecoflex VIP pre-insulated pipes are produced according to EN 15632, Part 1 & 3 – the same standard as other pre-insulated pipes using soft foam insulation, e.g Ecoflex Thermo and Ecoflex Varia.
The complete Uponor Ecoflex system is designed for easiest possible installation, so only standard tools used in pipe, Wipex fitting and accessories installation are needed. Only exception is the Uponor Quick & Easy fitting system, where special tooling is needed.
The combination of multilayer hybrid insulation and small diameter of the pipe provides very high flexibility, which is even better than with traditional Ecoflex products, and bending radius is up to 50% smaller than with hard foam insulated pipes.
The flexible design and small diameter help to reduce the installation time of the pipes by up to 20% compared to hard foam insulated flexible pipes, and by more than double compared to steel pipes.
